Gay group wants apology for hockey player's slur

Associated PressThe Philadelphia Flyers' Wayne Simmonds, right, and New York Rangers' Ryan McDonagh collide in the third period of a preseason game Monday in Philadelphia.

NEW YORK — The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is calling for Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds to apologize for a slur that appeared to be directed at Sean Avery of the New York Rangers.

The organization also wants the NHL to educate its fans about such hate speech.

Video replay appeared to catch Simmonds making an anti-gay slur against Avery during a preseason game in Philadelphia on Monday night. Avery confirmed that Simmonds made the remark, and Simmonds didn't deny saying it.

"Hate speech and anti-gay slurs have no place on the ice rink," GLAAD acting president Mike Thompson said in a statement. "The word that Simmonds used is the same word that is hurled at LGBT youth on the playground and in our schools, creating a climate of intolerance and hostility.

"He should not only apologize for this anti-gay outburst, but the Philadelphia Flyers and the NHL have a responsibility to take action and educate their fans about why this word is unacceptable."

GLAAD said it is talking to the Flyers and the NHL about what specific steps can be taken.

The NHL didn't immediately comment.

GLAAD said it has worked with sports leagues such as the NBA, Major League Baseball, and the World Wrestling Federation to address issues of homophobia in sports.

Last week, Simmonds was involved in another on-ice incident - as the apparent target. A banana was thrown from the stands in London, Ontario, as he was skating toward Detroit goalie Jordan Pearce during a shootout in an exhibition game. Simmonds is black.

"It was unfortunate that this incident happened but I am above this sort of stuff," Simmonds said after last week's game. "This is something that is obviously out of my control. Moving forward, this incident is something that I will no longer comment on so I can just focus playing hockey for the Philadelphia Flyers."